tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21182896634201637212024-02-06T18:45:03.037-08:00For Your EncouragementDarlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-72579338117264592532013-06-01T09:30:00.003-07:002013-06-01T09:30:23.465-07:00One Difficult WordPsalm 31:24<br />
<br />
There's a word used in the Bible and in church among Christian people that I have always wanted to delete. This word has always brought to mind difficult concepts like judgement, change, sacrifice, hard work etc. Ideas that are emotionally painful and create discomfort. Then one day I was dwelling on my weaknesses which was creating intense feelings of self loathing. I was wishing things were different and that I was different, better somehow. Yet, I was not able to be different. Still doing the same old things, but wanting different results (Romans 7:19-20). Which is Eisnstien's definition of crazy, by the way. <br />
<br />
Then, in the midst of my craziness and while I was being so hard on myself I saw a hand painted sign on the side of the road that had that difficult word on it. However, now all of a sudden that word that had seemed so judgemental before was now full of hope, it was all of a sudden gentle, even inspiring. I realized that there was a way I could deal with my weaknesses. That there was an alternative. That I didn't have to remain stuck in this. Things could be different and there was something I could do about it. What relief came to me because of that one word. That word that had previously been so difficult. That word I saw on the road was: repent.<br />
<br />
Matthew 4:17<br />
<br />
Prayer: God, help me turn to You.<br />
Read More: Romans 7:14-25<br />
Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25): Take the next right step.<br />
<br />Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-7838046189806907712013-03-16T17:59:00.001-07:002013-03-16T17:59:41.655-07:00De-Stress PlanWhile stressed spelled backwards is desserts, indulging in an abundance of sweets is not how God wants us to get rid of stress. After a lot of prayer God gave me a plan that hopefullly can help us alieviate some of the stress we encounter from our lives. I created this plan from a combination of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and Live Loved by Max Lucado. <br />
<br />
The De-Stress Plan is as follows:<br />1. "Begin by saying the name of Jesus out loud." (Jesus Calling p. 79)<br />
2. When stress begins to build up "take mini breaks." (Jesus Calling p. 78)<br />
3. "Remember He is on your side and the more difficult your day is the more He yearns to help you." (Jesus Calling p. 79)<br />
4. Read Philipians 4:6-7<br />
5. "Don't take yourself so seriously." (Jesus Calling p. 79)<br />
6. Remember "Anxiety wraps you up with in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts." (Jesus Calling p. 79)<br />
7. Read 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18<br />
8. Begin to "Collect your blessings." (Live Loved p. 42)<br />
9. Read Hebrews 12:10<br />
10. "Gratitude is always an option." (Live Loved p. 42)<br />
11. "Make gratitude your default emotion." (Live Loved p. 42)<br />
12. Read Joel 2:26<br />
13. Remember He is letting you experience these things for your good.<br />
14. Read Isaiah 26:3-4<br />
15. Read Galatians 5:22-25<br />16. Pray and thank God for this day.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-73215196190987133652013-02-09T12:44:00.002-08:002013-02-12T07:21:40.729-08:00Power, love & self-discipline2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." <br />
<br />
Sometimes it is easy to recall verses like the one above, but it is much harder to live by them. We develop a way of living and it is hard to let go of. Our way of interacting with the world develops into a pattern that is familiar and safe, although, these habits often hinder us and don't allow us to reach our potential. Due to our fallen, sinful nature our patterns and way of thinking may limit us at times and may not be of God. However, Romans 6:4 says that via salvation we are able to live a new life. Our new life means that we are to be alert and self controlled. Alert to when our old patterns of thought or fear or anger or ... are surfacing (1 Peter 5:8). Then, self-control to not dwell on it or give into it. <br />
<br />
Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to speak the Truth in love. This even applies to how we deal with ourselves. If God wants us to encourage each other with truth in love, then wouldn't He want us to do that for ourselves as well. We often beat ourselves up mentally for not being able to obey God perfectly, but He knows that we are human and fallen, and He knows when we are making an honest effort to obey Him. <br />
<br />
Plan of Action James 1:22 & James 1:25: To pray about our thought patterns.<br />
Read More: Galatians 5:22-23<br />
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please make me aware of my patterns of thinking and living that are not from you. Help me to be aware so that I can change these things in time.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-51462224593235432382012-09-15T15:07:00.000-07:002012-09-15T15:07:41.655-07:00Anchored!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhr3cUi0V0uLRFz710lJqU1jmeTZratSyGxib9eJYcWvnts_5AT2ASOzOxKlfpviWg9HLqG74K5M-8QzKOddZgQu7aT2lY7v_NOVwPj9Di5qgB_7PQZMBISG6wEkCDARC8vzRai9xRts/s1600/DARLENES+PHOTOS+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhr3cUi0V0uLRFz710lJqU1jmeTZratSyGxib9eJYcWvnts_5AT2ASOzOxKlfpviWg9HLqG74K5M-8QzKOddZgQu7aT2lY7v_NOVwPj9Di5qgB_7PQZMBISG6wEkCDARC8vzRai9xRts/s320/DARLENES+PHOTOS+086.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #b45f06;">Hebrews 6:18-20</span><br />
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="text Heb-6-18" id="en-NIV-30063"><sup class="versenum">" </sup>God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30063A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> we who have fled to take hold of the hope<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30063B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> set before us may be greatly encouraged.</span> <span class="text Heb-6-19" id="en-NIV-30064">We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30064C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Heb-6-20" id="en-NIV-30065">where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30065D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> He has become a high priest<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30065E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> forever, in the order of Melchizedek."<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30065F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
<br />
As long as we stay connected to our anchor we won't go anywhere, however we are always free to let go of the anchor at any time. That is part of His love for us that we can choose to let go and not follow Him at any time. Sometimes it is a diliberate choice other times we may not realize we are drifting away.<br />
<br />
Our connection can be lost sometimes without our even realizing we are letting go. How do we cut off our connection? We stop praying, reading His Word, stop going to church, stop meeting with other believers. Usually it starts slowly. When we see this happening to people around us reach out to them and try to reconnect them to the Anchor, because the current of sin is strong and will drag us further away than we had planned to go. We can help reconnect others by showing interest in them, being generous, not judging them, offering to pray for them and talking to them. <br />
<br />
Our connection to the Lord is a bond of love. The Anchor is God's love for us and when we obey Him then He is faithful to fulfill His part. Keep running to Him and He will guide your steps.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ0n9DDz9MKgMSeKFUhGJaZTmQO7-44xpG9Z0_5hzehmVLyyDML-cXhXBz5SMSWTNQU_jaPr6WeOxCzWpgmLgE77oZugtNpJxb7KxTZy92LiHvecZ3QiXLXkAmthJDV0HYpWda-3yquQ/s1600/DARLENES+PHOTOS+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ0n9DDz9MKgMSeKFUhGJaZTmQO7-44xpG9Z0_5hzehmVLyyDML-cXhXBz5SMSWTNQU_jaPr6WeOxCzWpgmLgE77oZugtNpJxb7KxTZy92LiHvecZ3QiXLXkAmthJDV0HYpWda-3yquQ/s320/DARLENES+PHOTOS+096.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Prayer: Jesus help me to pray about the difficulties I am having so that we can stay connected.<br />
<br />
Read More: Hebrews 12:1<br />
<br />
Plan of Action James 1:22 & James 1:25: Return to God.</div>
Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-25850943376279236762012-07-27T06:18:00.001-07:002012-07-27T06:18:49.711-07:00Fallen short...I am signed up for e-mails from Max Lucado and I received this today. I thought it was worth sharing.<br />
<br />
"Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of
God.
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Worry is falling short on faith. Impatience is falling short on kindness.
The critical spirit falls short on love.</div>
<br />
<div>
So, how often do you sin, hmm… in an hour? For the sake of discussion,
let’s say ten times an hour. Ten sins an hour, times sixteen waking hours,
times 365 days a year, times the average life span of 74 years. I’m rounding
the total off to 4,300,000 sins per person! How do you plan to pay God for your
4.3 million sin increments? You’re swimming in an ocean of debt.</div>
<br />
<div>
But God pardons the zillion sins of selfish humanity. He forgives sixty
million sin-filled days. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to
where He always wanted us to be. And He did it by the grace of Jesus
Christ."</div>Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-59259645031221950442012-05-06T13:39:00.000-07:002012-05-06T13:39:26.757-07:00In Our Hearts"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." Romans 8:1<br />
Once we have been saved we often sincerely want to do the things God wants us to do, but in our human condition it is harder to do than it seems. Inwardly, we have a deep desire to do the will of God, it's just that our humanness gets in the way. I heard a Pastor say, 'we never drift towards God.' Since we are human it takes effort to pray everyday, read the Bible, and get up early for church (Hebrews 10:25).<br />
<br />
Remember it is a common experience to struggle with moving forward in our relationship with God. Since this is so common be encouraged. Sometimes we see other people that appear to be so devoted it makes us feel inferior. However, what we are seeing are the results of their perserverance. We can perservere too. In fact, God wants us to perservere (James 1:3-4 & Hebrews 12:1). Trying again when we mess up is His will for us.<br />
<br />
'The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.' Ps. 145:8<br />
<br />
Prayer: Lord, help us not to give up. When we do mess up, help us to turn back to you knowing that this is a part of the human experience and that You don't condemn us when we are trying and reaching out to You. Revelation 2:19<br />
<br />
Read More:<br />John 3:16-18<br />
Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25):<br />
Try again, one more time! Don't give up! James 5:11<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-73239647889710583912012-04-10T15:10:00.004-07:002012-04-10T15:15:14.242-07:00Testing, 1, 2, 3 Testing!<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4</span><br />
</span></span>God tests us, but not because He wants to put stumbling blocks in our way, or because He really doesn't want us to be successful. He tests us because He wants us to be completely and totally His. (Deut. 13:3). When we come to Him and decide we want a relationship with Him more than we want anything else, it is then and only then that we can be completely His. That is what He is after. Having us completely. He wants us sold out to Him, one hundred percent for Him, because that is how He is toward us (John 3:16). He wants us to perservere and determine to follow Him even if it may mean being offended, and then choosing to let go of that offense. God's testing helps us be fully committed. When we are tested and we decide to seek Him eventhough we have to struggle for it, (James 1:3) that decision and determination helps us get to a place where we can love Him completely. <br />
<br />
Loving Him helps us be more willing to do His will, which is to lovingly serve others. <br />
<br />
He loves us totally and completely and wants us to return the favor, even when we are not seeking Him, He still desires to be close to us. <br />
Read More: Luke 8:12-14<br />
Prayer: Lord, help me not fall away, but instead remain faithful to You!<br />
Plan of Action: Pray about letting go of past offenses.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-76987030856759300312012-03-03T11:38:00.002-08:002012-03-03T11:40:31.202-08:00My God Can!<span style="color: #b45f06;">"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Isaiah 55:8-9" title="Isaiah 55:8-9">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=31" title="New International Version"></a><br />
<br />
First, it is important to realize that our God can! Once we decide to believe the truth that God is our God, that He is all powerful, and that He can do whatever it is that needs to be done, then we can start working on the truth that He wants to use us to do His will.<br />
<br />
It is amazing how God will orchestrate our circumstances and how He will work things out for our benefit and His glory! When we think there is no way, when we think it can't be done, when we think we can't do it, He can and does work it out. Often in ways we did not expect and couldn't imagine. Sometimes we just need to stand back and let Him work. That is why the Word says we need self-control. It is so hard to let Him have control so that He can work His way. We often want to 'help' out, but sometimes we can end up getting in the way and hindering His plan of action. That means staying close to Him to identify when He is wanting to use us and to recognize just how much we should do.<br />
<br />
Prayer:<br />
God help us to be ready when You want to use us and help us only do what You would have us do and no more. <br />
Read More:<br />
2 Samuel 22:30 & Philippians 4:13<br />
Plan of Action:<br />
Daily prayer and Bible reading.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-75763593540516752272012-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:002012-02-04T11:00:23.458-08:00We are Free to Choose<em>When Octavia Spencer won the Gloden Globe for best supporting actress she quoted Martin Luther King. Refering to people who serve others she said, "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance."</em><br />
<br />
If we, in our humanness, can recognize that hard work and serving others has value and honor, then just consider how much more God honors us when we willingly serve Him as, messengers, and ministers sent by Him to accomplish His work (Isaiah 43:4).<br />
<br />
We are free to choose God or to let go of Him at anytime. He gives us the freedom to let go of His hand. We don't have to do anything He says; however staying in His will is always the best choice because His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).<br />
<br />
Blue Letter Bible & the Gesenius Lexicon define servants as: " Servants of the king; ministers & courtiers, messengers, military captains & common soldiers." Also, "worshippers of God, and the minister or ambassador of God, called and sent by God for accomplishing some service." As we work for Him and see His blessing for others and ourselves then that makes us fall so utterly in love with Him that we voluntarily become His servants. Even a servant of servants. That is when we live and breathe God and want to please Him alone.<br />
<br />
Isn't it interesting that when we decide to serve Him by helping others in whatever way He has lead us to serve, yet somehow through our service to others our own needs get met. It doesn't seem like it should be that way, but that is how He has designed it.<br />
<br />
Read More: Matthew 25:14-23<br />
Prayer: Thank you for honoring me and rewarding me for faithful service.<br />
Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25): Make the decision to do whatever He seems to be asking you to do.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-1068551755870097012012-01-08T13:12:00.000-08:002012-01-14T13:01:35.947-08:00Renewal/New BeginningsElohim. That one hebrew word describes our Heavenly Father as God and as a Mighty Creator. It is used in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." He is still creating today. Renewing our minds, our hearts, and our hopes. He hasn't given up on us or forsaken us no matter how bad our situation was or is. With Him we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), we are His children (1 John 2:12), and His mercies are new everyday (Lamentations 3:23). Through this next year His Word promises that He will be with us no matter the situations we face whether good or bad. '...for You are with me...' (Psalms 23:4). <br />
<br />
Blue Letter Bible defines renewal as: 'renovation, complete change for the better'. God has that promise for each and every person who calls on His name (Romans 10:13). Even when we can't see any possible way He is the Mighty Creator, Elohim, who can make a way (Isaiah 43:19). Remember that God's plans are to prosper us and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).<br />
<br />
Great is our Lord and mighty in power... Psalms 147:5<br />
Read More: Jonah 1-4<br />
Prayer: God our Creator, thank you for never giving up on us and offering us hope through new beginnings. <br />
Action Plan (James 1:22 & James 1:25): <br />
Don't give up! Reach out to Him through prayer and He will reach in.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-53077453866321995052011-12-09T11:49:00.000-08:002011-12-09T11:49:07.479-08:00What Are You Looking For?<em>Have you heard the expression, "deep calls to deep"? I read that as deep love calls to deep need! In other words, God and His deep love for us calls us to Himself, so that He can meet our deep needs. </em><br />
<br />
What are you looking for, is it hope? Maybe it's guidance, direction, answers, help, purpose, or love? Whatever it is we all have deep needs that can only be fully met in Christ. Sometimes it appears as if these things can be found in other things or even other people. Sometimes we go to things and other people because that seems to be the easiest way to get our needs met. Going to other things and people can become, like the Staples commercial demonstrates, our 'easy buttons'. However, it is only in a relationship with Jesus Christ that whatever we are looking for can truly be found. <br />
<br />
God has already sent the answer to whatever it is we are looking for, and it is found in the reality of the Christmas message. God knew our need and out of His great love He sent His only Son. Through a relationship with Jesus we can find everything we might need; hope, guidance, direction, answers, help, purpose and great love! He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16). <br />
<br />
Read more:<br />
Luke 2:1-20<br />
Prayer:<br />
Thank You Father for the gift of Your Son. I know that like any other relationship, a relationship with Jesus takes some work. Father, help me to seek Him with all my heart.<br />
<br />
Plan of Action:<br />
Set aside time to pray everyday.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-68860136977591518202011-11-08T07:09:00.000-08:002011-11-08T07:09:23.827-08:00Are you suffering?In Exodus 4:31 we see that God is concerned about every part of our lives and He sees our anguish. My Utmost for His Highest, on May 15th says, "God is the master designer, and He allows adversities into our lives..." (Chambers, O. 1963. My Utmost for His Highest.) He is not just a good designer, but a master designer, so that every adversity has a purpose, Romans 8:28.<br />
<br />
When we are suffering and greiving perhaps at times like these God sits with us in silence, like Job's friends did with him in Job 2:11-13. Know that in the middle of your pain God hears and answers prayers. My pastor recently gave a message entitled, "There is no limit to what God can do." During difficult times that can be hard to remember, but through faith know that Jesus has the answers, that He <u>is</u> the answer because He is the Truth, and His ways are right. The devotional book, Streams In the Dessert, on Nov. 9th says, "Seek communion with Christ and you will receive strength...for God has promised, I will strengthen you. Isaiah 41:10" (Cowman, L.B. 1997, Streams In the Dessert.)<br />
<br />
Read More:<br />
Exodus 33:14, Psalms 46:1, 2 Cor. 1:3-4<br />
Prayer:<br />
Thank You Lord that You are with me even when I can't percieve it.<br />
Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25):<br />
Be still in prayer, take heart, and breathe.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-63323263389125016822011-09-10T10:41:00.000-07:002011-10-11T13:29:29.029-07:00Be Brave!<span style="color:#cc6600;">2 Samuel 23:16 "He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord."</span><br /><br /><em>Recently at work I saw a bumper sticker that read, "Don't believe everything you think!" </em><em>I don't know about you, but I can think of something that I am anxious about and then I end up dwelling on it trying to figure out the best way to handle it. Then I feel even more anxious. Usually what I am anxious about doesn't turn out like I expected anyway!<br /></em><br />We all have something to 'pour out' before the Lord. It may be anxiety, rage/anger, pornography, alcohol, loneliness, depression or some other thorn in our side. Choosing not to do something, or dwell on something we have been giving ourselves over to is difficult. First, pour it out to the Lord, telling Him everything about the issue. Why does this issue/struggle seem to draw us in? What is it about this that captures us? Why haven't we stopped prior to this? Why are we trying to deal with this issue now? What do we want the outcome to be? What do we believe the Lord wants the outcome to be? Answering these questions as truthfully as we can while praying can ease our burden (Matt. 11:28).<br /><br />Begin deciding not to give in to it, or start making the decision to stop doing whatever it is that has become an issue. Sometimes we may feel like we can't stop or we may feel like whatever it is, has the power to control us. Is it possible it could be an addiction? Whatever it is that needs to be 'poured out before the Lord' will be a journey to overcome. Memorizing God's Word to combat it is a great comfort and encouragement. When those bothersome thoughts surface again instead of dwelling on them and giving them power give God the glory by dwelling on His Word, the Truth, and choose to fill your cup with praise. As Hebrews 13:15 states, 'offer a sacrifice of praise'. Believe by faith God is saying, "Be brave, things aren't as they appear. Trust Me, not your feelings or even your own thoughts."<br /><br />Read More:<br />Isaiah 43:1-4, Isaiah 43:7, & Isaiah 43:18-19<br /><br />Prayer:<br />Father help me choose to obey you by dwelling on Your Word and not on my feelings about the issue. Thank You that You are with me every step of the way.<br /><br />Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25):<br />Memorize one or more of the verses from Isaiah 43:1-4, 7, 18-19.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-57051481838695789592011-08-20T06:32:00.000-07:002011-09-01T15:20:03.275-07:00Dodge BallVerse: 1Peter 2:9-10
<br />"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
<br />
<br /><em>I have never been a good athlete therefore, I never liked P.E. in school. I hated when team captains were chosen and then they chose people for their team because I was always one of the last ones picked. Maybe you were one of the athletically gifted and this was not an issue, but for me it was a cause for dread. </em>
<br />
<br />In contrast, God has chosen us for His 'team'. God has looked down from His heavenly throne at all of His creation and chosen Us! He views us so differently from how the world views us and it is more positive than we realize. He knows what is in our heart, and that we are sinful, and yet He still wants to use us for His glory.
<br />
<br />The word Elect, according to Vine's Concise Dictionary of the Bible p. 112 means, "picked out, a vessel of God." Elect conjures up images of an election, ballots, and debates for me. It is as if God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit got together and unanimously decided that they wanted us on their side. Look how much they wanted us, read the following verses:
<br />John 15:16
<br />John 17:6
<br />Eph. 2:10
<br />2 Thess. 2:13
<br />
<br />God has thought about us from the beginning and wants us for Himself. Futhermore, our belief in His Word and His Son is credited back to us as righteousness Gen. 15:6. We believe and our lives are blessed, and then He calls us righteous on top of that!
<br />
<br />'the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people.' Is.28:5
<br />
<br />Prayer:
<br />Lord, thank you for choosing me and help me to choose You even when it's difficult.
<br />
<br />Read More:
<br />Ephesians 1:4-6
<br />
<br />Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25):
<br />Choose Him by having a prayer time every morning.
<br />Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-11790027073624213102011-07-29T17:48:00.000-07:002011-08-01T06:24:07.092-07:00Distant<div align="center">Verse: Luke 15:13<br />“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”</div><br /><br /><div align="left">“The younger son…set off for a distant country…’ (Luke 15:13). When we choose not to follow or obey God we will end up far fro Him like the verse; ‘a distant country.” As a result our fellowship/relationship with Him will suffer. Our disobedient living will separate us from Him every time. When we distance ourselves from God, by not attending church or Sunday School, or by not studying or reading His word, or by not praying regularly, it will be hard to hear from Him. Just as being distant, far away, or physically separated from someone will cause us not to be able to hear them. Yet, when we realize the error of our ways and truly repent like the prodigal son did in verse 18, God will have compassion on us (vs.20). He will meet us where we are, even if we are still far off, but desperately wanting to return. Then He will walk with us back to our rightful place without condemnation. In fact, instead of condemnation He is filled with compassion and love for us (vs. 20). Just as the father in this parable met his son and threw his arms around him and kissed him, so our Heavenly Father greets us with love and compassion when we repent. He does not meet us with anger and condemnation asking us where we have been and what we were thinking? He does not react in that manner because He is love, 1 John 4:8. And, there’s more. He is willing to take us further on ahead, into a deeper more intimate relationship with Him. He is always waiting for us to return to Him.</div><br />May your blessing be on your people. Psalms 3:8<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Prayer:</div><br /><div align="left">Father thank you for your compassion and love towards me even while I am working on returning to You. Help me return to You with my whole heart.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">Read More:<br />Luke 15:11-31</div><br /><br /><div align="left">Action Plan (James 1:22 & James 1:25):<br />Decide to start each day with prayer, even if it is just for 5 minutes. </div>Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-73818108197531216892011-07-11T14:54:00.000-07:002011-07-29T17:48:05.065-07:00Abiding in Him continuedThis Sunday in church our pastor was away and Rev. Carl Butcher spoke. He said something that I thought was really good and I wanted to share it. One point he mentioned, was that we never drift toward God. That is so true, it takes our effort to draw close, or closer, to God. Rev. Butcher said we need to make prayer, and reading the Bible a priority, because we will never 'accidentally' get closer to God.<br /><br />In Matthew 22:37 and Mark 12:30 it states that we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. To love God with all of our heart means with all of our emotions. Our soul means in the core of our being, our mind means in our thoughts, and our strength means in our actions. Rev. Butcher said loving God is a decision with action and commitment. Sometimes, because life can be tough, it is a decision we have to make over and over again in one week. Life happens therefore, self indulgence and sin happens. When it does, just make that decision again to pray or to return to the Word. It is human nature to drfit, just make the decision to return back to God through prayer. Don't give up! Galatians 6:9Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-53858351242900272552011-07-02T19:06:00.000-07:002011-07-02T19:13:11.163-07:00Abiding in Him.<div align="center"><span style="color:#cc9933;">“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5</span></div><br /><em>Recently I was thinking about the prevalence and accessibility of worldly messages and it made me consider how often I make an effort to take in Godly messages. How much am I listening, paying attention to or taking in the things of God? How many times did I attend church this week? How many times did I open my bible to read His Word this week? How often this week did I have a prayer time? When I did pray, how many of my prayers were for others? Yet, how much T.V. did I watch this week? How many advertisements did I see? How many things came across my path that were disrespectful, or hurtful to others? How many crude jokes or inappropriate images did I see?</em><br /><br />Worldly messages are prevalent throughout our culture and they are contrary to the Word of God. We are steadily hearing worldly messages all around us. To counter the messages we hear daily knowing the heart of God is crucial, and the heart of God is complex and profound. Therefore, it is important to realize that attending one hour of worship on Sunday is not enough to get to know God and hear His voice. Likewise, watching religious T.V. programs a couple of times a week is certainly not enough. Abiding with God daily is how we hear His word for us (John 15:5). If we don’t dwell with God more than one or two hours on Sunday morning it will be hard to recognize His voice. We can not have a relationship with Him, abide in Him, without reading the Bible, praying and attending church.<br /><br />When we regularly listen to, or take in what is on the Internet, T.V., and radio that is what we are abiding in, whether or not it is a conscious choice on our part. It is so easy to ‘take in’ messages from the world around us. In the time it takes to watch one T.V. program or one movie we have seen and heard worldly messages repeatedly, but it takes our effort to take in God’s messages for us.<br /><br />God doesn’t want us just to obey or abide with Him because He is God and He says so. He wants us to obey and abide with Him so He can bless us and so that our joy can be full (John 15:11)!<br /><br />As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. Ps. 18:30<br /><br />Read More:<br />John 15:4-11<br /><br />Plan of Action:<br />Find a devotional book that praises God and begin to have a short quiet time with Him as often as possible.<br /><br />Prayer:<br />Father, thank you that you always reward our obedience with blessings!Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-44897985575071575282011-06-29T10:38:00.000-07:002011-06-29T11:11:32.114-07:00A quick encouragement for today!I was just having some prayer time about some difficult circumstances that may be coming my way and I wanted to share something that God showed me. Maybe it will encourage you today as well.<br /><br />God showed me that He often allows obstacles in our lives to give us the opportunity to work on, improve, and learn from weaknesses that we all have within ourselves. He loves us so much that He doesn't want us to remain captive to our weaknesses and insecurities. It is because He loves us and wants more and better things for us, and from us, that these obstacles appear.<br /><br />In the 'Streams in the Desert' devotional for today it states, "We encounter giants only when we are <em>serving</em> God and <em>following</em> Him. It was when Israel was going <em>forward</em> that the giants appeared, for when they turned back into the wilderness, they found none" (June 29th, page 253).<br /><br />The bible says we can ask for His help when we lack the knowledge of how to deal with a situation. (James 1:5) So, when we put it all together it means that, when we encounter obstacles we can thank Him that they are there, because that means He is helping us resolve something in ourselves. We can thank Him that we are on the right track, because it is only when we move forward with Him that we encounter these issues. And, we can thank Him that He will give us the knowledge and wisdom about how to handle these issues if we bring them to Him in prayer! Wow, God is good!Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-37035707584700019922011-06-04T10:06:00.000-07:002011-06-05T11:55:33.974-07:00Great Value!<span style="color:#cc9933;">"So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:31<br /></span><br />Throughout the Bible God isn’t just saying I Love You, He is also saying I Value You. According to Vine's Concise Dictionary of the Bible value means, ‘to excel, to differ from, & honor’(p. 399). God is saying as His children we are set apart from people who don’t believe in Him. He also says that because we do believe in Him, and His only Son Jesus, we are honored in His sight (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A4&version=NIV&src=embed">Isaiah 43:4</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>). Sometimes it is a battle to believe that God values us because we have a hard time valuing ourselves. However, it is important to know that we are important to Him and He does value us because we are His children (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A15-16&version=NIV&src=embed">Romans 8:15-16</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>), and we are precious to Him. He will never abandon us. He cannot. That would be against His nature (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A13&version=NKJV&src=embed">2 Timothy 2:13</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>).<br /><br />The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Is. 60:19<br /><br />Read More:<br /><sup id="bg_passage-25462" class="versenum"></sup><sup id="bg_passage-25463" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A6-7&version=NKJV&src=embed">Luke 12:6-7</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a><br /><br />Prayer:<br />Father, I know that a battle involves perseverance. Help me choose to believe your Word again and again, even when I don’t feel it.<br /><br />Plan of Action (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A22-25&version=NKJV&src=embed">James 1:22-25</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>):<br />Choose to believe God loves and values you. Memorize <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A31&version=NIV&src=embed">Matthew 10:31</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a> or <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A7&version=NIV&src=embed">Luke 12:7</a>.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-14886823520780857532011-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:002011-05-08T15:00:48.151-07:00Fickle<div align="center">Verse: <sup id="bg_passage-27294" class="versenum"></sup><sup id="bg_passage-27295" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A34-35&version=NIV&src=embed">Acts 10:34-35</a><br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;"><span style="color:#cc9933;">Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”</span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="left">It is funny how we can be in a person’s favor one minute then seemingly in the very next minute we can find ourselves very much our of their favor, even becoming and outcast. Jesus himself is well acquainted with this phenomenon. The people of His time were praising Him and waving palm branches one minute, then a short while later were yelling for His crucifixion.<br />Losing someone’s favor hurts, yet to be completely truthful it would be dishonest and even unhealthy to try to remain in someone’s favor at all times. Remaining in someone’s favor would mean extraordinary efforts on our part, never knowing if those effort were going to be good enough; or on the other person’s part undeserved and untruthful praise and adoration. The eventual outcome of both sides of this fence are a big let down and all the emotions that go with that; depression, self-doubt, and feelings of worthlessness. The only way to recover from the turmoil that the fickleness of others inflicts is to recognize the character of God. He is loving, patient, kind, merciful, and truthful, but He is never fickle. Therefore, we never risk losing His love.<br /><br />It is helpful to know what God says and thinks about us. He says, we are made in His image (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV&src=embed">Genesis 1:27</a>), we are a royal priesthood (<sup id="bg_passage-30409" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A9&version=NIV&src=embed">1 Peter 2:9</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>), and we are precious and honored in His sight(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A4&version=NIV&src=embed">Isaiah 43:4</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>). We never risk losing His love!<br /><br />Your love stands firm forever!<br /><br />Prayer: Lord, help me forsake the praise of others in favor of praise from you.<br /><br />Action Plan (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A22-25&version=NKJV&src=embed">James 1:22-25</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>):<br />Review <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV&src=embed">Genesis 1:27</a>, </sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A9&version=NIV&src=embed">1 Peter 2:9</a>, or <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A4&version=NIV&src=embed">Isaiah 43:4</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>. Pick one of these verses and memorize it.<br /><br />Read More:<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A10&version=NIV&src=embed">Galatians 1:10</a> & <sup id="bg_passage-27974" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2%3A11&version=NIV&src=embed">Romans 2:11</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a> </div>Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-83536343645562502642011-04-17T17:58:00.000-07:002011-04-21T18:54:32.088-07:00We've been passed over, but it's a good thing!I have heard people say again and again, 'God's timing is perfect' and I have always agreed to it without much thought. This Palm Sunday it really hit me just how perfect His timing really is.<br /><br />A while back I had an opportunity to participate in Beth Moore's study of Esther. This is a wonderful study which I highly recommend. In the Bible, Esther (who is Jewish) becomes queen and finds out that the King and an enemy named Haman, have established a new law that will annihilate all of the Jews. In the study Beth Moore points out the timing of the decree that goes out to all of the provinces in this kingdom. She states that the decree to kill all of the Jews goes out on Passover (Esther, It's Tough Being a Woman, p. 73). So, here we see that God's timing is perfect because through His timing He is saying this law has been passed, but the total destruction intended by the law will not be carried out. The total destruction of the Jews will be 'passed over.'<br /><br />So, this Sunday I was thinking about Jesus being crucified during the Jewish celebration of Passover (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26-27&version=NIV&src=embed">Matthew 26-27</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>). As you recall, the celebration of Passover was because the Jewish people put lamb's blood on the door posts of their houses so that the death angel would pass over their home and not take their first born sons (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+12+&version=NIV&src=embed">Exodus 12</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>) during the plagues of Egypt. So, the first Passover means that the Jewish people were exempt from God's wrath and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">punishment</span>. Now consider that Jesus was crucified during Passover. This means through our belief in Jesus as God's son, God was providing a way for all of us to escape His wrath. Our punishment can be 'passed over' if we believe in Jesus' sacrifice (and that He died for our sins), and God was emphasizing His willingness to 'pass over' our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">punishment</span> by Jesus' death on the cross during the festival of Passover. Hallelujah! Our God is a complex and amazing God, and His timing is indeed perfect.<br /><br />Special thanks to Angie, Chris, and Hazel for helping me clarify this point.Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-64056172058623204842011-04-12T15:02:00.000-07:002011-04-12T15:34:31.909-07:00So good I had to share!<div align="left">I was reading 'The Word for you Today' for April 12th and thought this devotion was so good I wanted to share part of it with you. The verse was <sup id="bg_passage-28248" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NIV&src=embed">Romans 12:2</a>. </div><br /><div align="center">"As you agree with God, believing what He says is true, change automatically happens. You start to think differently, talk differently, and act differently. Be patient with yourself; it's a process that develops in stages. Would you think there was something wrong with your child because they couldn't walk perfectly on the first few tries? No, you're delighted each time they take a step. When they fall you pick them up. When they mess up you clean them up and encourage them to try again. You never stop working with them! And God does the same with us. He's not angry because you haven't 'arrived,' He's pleased that you're pressing on, endeavoring to stay on the path." (The Word For You Today, April 12th, p. 26)</div><br /><div align="left">Sometimes I become frustrated with myself because I try to make, or add, godly changes to my life and I can do those things for a while, but I usually end up struggling to continue those changes. Then, I find myself feeling fearful that He is going to give up on me and that lie makes me give up on Him. I give up on Him, thinking, ‘oh well, since I am no longer of any use, or value to Him I guess I can quit trying.' I could not be more wrong. He has NOT given up on us and He WON’T give up on us because He cannot! (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A13&version=NIV&src=embed">2 Timothy 2:13</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>) It is in His nature to continue seeking us out. </div>Don’t Give up or Give in!Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-34840523442129034732011-04-05T16:11:00.000-07:002011-04-07T18:32:08.052-07:00Thoughts & Desires<div align="center"><span style="color:#cc9933;">1 John 5:21 ‘Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.’</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div>It can be difficult to identify when we are engaging in idolatry. Whenever we are consumed with thoughts of something else, or someone else, we have participated in idolatry. It is not necessarily the act of bowing down to some kind of object. That is just the behavior that follows the thought. We can bow down mentally to anything and most people would never know we are worshipping something other than God. More often than not, we don’t realize when we are worshipping something other than God. This sin is subtle and can be anything on which we spend our time, energy, or thoughts. <br /><p></p>The notes in my Bible say, ‘that idolatry is making anything more important than God' (Life Application Bible, NIV p. 206-207). Therefore, simple everyday possessions and pleasures can become idols. The T.V., the computer, video games, food, hobbies, vehicles, work, money, clothes, ourselves, the Easter Bunny; really anything. The list is endless. Vine’s Concise Dictionary of the Bible states that idolatry is traced to a lack of acknowledgement and gratitude to God. It further states that an idolater is a slave to the depraved ideas his idols represent, and thus, to numerous lusts. (p. 189). Eventually, whatever we concentrate or dwell on will influence our behavior and speech (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A45&version=NIV&src=embed">Luke 6:45</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/?src=embed"> </a>). <br /><p align="center"><em>As I was writing this I looked up for a brief second at the T.V. and a real estate program was on. The woman on the show had both arms outstretched hugging an island in the kitchen of a house. She had to 'bow down' to hug the island. Hmmm, God's timing is interesting.</em> <br /><p align="left">'For You, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.' <br /><p>Prayer: Father, help me to identify the things and thoughts that I have allowed to become my idols. <br /><p>Plan of Action(<sup id="bg_passage-30165" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A22&version=NCV&src=embed">James 1:22</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Century-Version-NCV-Bible/?src=embed"></a><sup id="bg_passage-30168" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A25&version=NCV&src=embed"> & 25</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Century-Version-NCV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>): Take a moment to consider the many blessings God has given you, then express sincere gratitude to Him. <br /><p>Read More: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+7%3A3&version=NIV&src=embed">1 Samuel 7:3</a></p>Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-42573643198294542382011-03-02T17:48:00.000-08:002011-03-03T16:19:46.947-08:00The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts<div align="center"><span style="color:#cc9933;">Verse: 2 Cor. 12:9<br />But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.'<br /><br /></span></div><div align="left"><em>While looking into the mirror recently I was focusing on the areas of myself I didn’t like one area after another. Finally, God had had enough and He broke through my negativity and gently said, ‘You are more than the parts of yourself you don’t like.’<br /></em><br />We are so much more than those parts of ourselves we don’t like. We are also so much more than the struggles and challenges we face. We are more than the addition we struggle with, more than the learning challenges we have, more than the scar, more than the guilt, more than the disability, more than the number (age or weight), and more than our past mistakes. Our worth is not based on how much or how little we know. Out of our frustration and desire to change we may think, ‘I wish I was ______,' fill in the blank with an adjective of your choosing; smarter, thinner, prettier, more successful etc. The list could go on and on. Occasionally on bad days it does, but no matter how we feel about ourselves God loves us and values us just as we are. Satan will try to keep us thinking negatively because in that negativity is defeat. However, it is helpful to remember that, God made us in His own image (<sup id="bg_passage-27" class="versenum"></sup><i></i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NKJV&src=embed">Genesis 1:27</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>) therefore; we are made to succeed (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=NKJV&src=embed">Philippians 4:13</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A29&version=NKJV&src=embed">Romans 8:29</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a> & <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A31&version=NKJV&src=embed">31</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a> ). We are loved by our Creator. Don’t give up or give in.<br /><br />I will praise you, O Lord.<br /><br />Prayer:<br />Father, thank you that I am made in your image and that you value me even when I am not able to value myself.<br /><br />Plan of Action (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A22-25&version=NKJV&src=embed">James 1:22-25</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a>):<br />Begin to write out some encouraging bible verses, then when the negative and intrusive thoughts come say those verses out loud until the verses are memorized. Also, forward this to someone that may need to hear this.</div><div align="left"><br />Read More: </div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A13-15&version=NKJV&src=embed">Psalm 139:13-15</a> & <sup id="bg_passage-25462" class="versenum"></sup><sup id="bg_passage-25463" class="versenum"></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A6-7&version=NKJV&src=embed">Luke 12:6-7</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/?src=embed"></a> </div>Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118289663420163721.post-35735556435488802902011-02-23T18:52:00.000-08:002011-02-25T18:26:38.416-08:00Sacrifice a.k.a. consideration continuedEarlier this week I was reading in a devotional book called, 'The Word For You Today' - Wednesday, February 23rd and I came accross the following and it seemed to fit in with the sacrifice/consideration subject for this month. The verse was <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100%3A2&version=NKJV&src=embed">Psalm 100:2</a> which reads, 'Serve the Lord with gladness...' Further along in the devotion it states, "When you come to believe, really believe that service is God working through you..." There is more to that sentence, but that portion of it really struck me. I did not realize that our service we are offering to God now, is God working through us. I was thinking that as we serve; God would use us occasionally to impact someone around us as we worked. I did not realize that our service/sacrifice <em>is</em> God using us <em>now</em>. I guess I was thinking that our usefulness was measured by the outcomes, or the reactions of the people around us. However, I realized that we are to do our part and serve God, how others respond or don't respond is between that person and God.<br /><br />As I was mulling that over I was flipping through the Bible and I came accross <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+1%3A19&version=NKJV&src=embed">Proverbs 1:19</a>. This verse says, "When you grab all you can get, that's what happens: the more you get, the less you are." (The Message Bible) I thought, wow how true that is. The more we hold back and don't sacrifice for others, the more we become dissatisfied with ourselves, and even discontented and disappointed in ourselves. 'The less we are.' So God has arranged for us to receive a double blessing. As we serve/sacrifice for others we get the additional blessing of contentment. Wow! God is good!Darlene Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06866052099609200737noreply@blogger.com0